Your Beatitude,
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor, on behalf of the Greek government and the Greek people. It is deeply significant for every Greek government to have this unique and honorable privilege to be here at the Church of the Resurrection, at the Holy Sepulchre, and to receive this Holy Light from Your hands, as the guardian of the Holy Sepulchre. This Light is the symbol of hope and optimism for all of humankind.
Because the Holy Light symbolizes the Resurrection of Our Savior Jesus Christ, the victory of life over death, the triumph of love over hate and evil.
For this reason, I wholeheartedly wish that you remain strong and healthy here in Jerusalem. May the Hagiotaphite Brotherhood continue to protect the Holy Sepulchre and these holy places where Jesus Christ, whom all of us Orthodox Christians honor, walked, lived, was crucified, died, but was resurrected. The nation is grateful to you.
Christ is Risen, Happy Easter to all.
April 19, 2025